Multiple chances for strong-to-severe storms loom in the Chicago forecast as the work week begins, with the first chance of storms coming Monday afternoon during the busy rush hour commute.
The stormy weather comes amid warmer temperatures, the NBC 5 Storm Team said, with morning dew points in the 60s making things feel humid.
“It is a little sticky out there,” NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman said, with temperatures Monday expected to hit the high 70s.
While the morning hours stay dry, there is a chance for showers and storms to develop between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Roman said, though they’ll be “few and far between.”
Still, any storms that do develop, could contain gusty winds, heavy rain and hail, Roman said, with the entire Chicago area under a “marginal” risk of severe weather, which ranks as level one.
“Not everyone will see them,” Roman added.
🧵(1/4) T-storm chances have increased some for this afternoon and evening. If storms do form they will have the potential to become strong to severe. However, uncertainty remains regarding storm coverage and intensity. Move indoors if you hear thunder later today! #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/m7ADCIYjVK
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) April 13, 2026
Tuesday will see even warmer temperatures, Roman said, with highs in the low 80s. Tuesday morning, an isolated shower or storm could pass through, though the higher chance for storms comes Tuesday night.
“A better chance after 6 or 7 p.m.,” Roman said, with storm chances lasting through 11 p.m. or even midnight.
According to Roman, all weather hazards will be possible with any storms that develop Tuesday, including gusty damaging winds, hail and even the potential for a tornado.
🧵(2/4) The threat of severe weather has increased Tuesday for areas near/North of I-80 in Illinois (level 3 of 5). While t-storms may occur anytime from midday through the night, the greatest severe threat exists during the mid-afternoon through evening timeframe. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/I0fs1AUROR
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) April 13, 2026
“Some of them could pack a punch,” Roman warned.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, much of the Chicago area, especially near and north of I-80 at that time will be under an “enhanced” risk of severe weather, which ranks as level three of five.
According to Roman, Wednesday could bring the chance for strong storms once again.
🧵(3/4) One of the reasons for the active stretch of weather this week is the warm and humid airmass in place across the region! High temperatures will soar into the 70s and lower 80s each day through Friday, with potentially record warm lows in the 60s some nights! #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/qIR256UQc6
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) April 13, 2026
